The Many Benefits of Adopting an Adult Cat
Many people ignore adult cats in shelters. Because if you’re a cat person, there’s nothing more irresistible than a kitten. The little cute faces. The little round bellies. The claws in your legs and on your curtains. The 3 a.m. breakdancing sessions on your bed… Okay, so kittens are adorable but they are also exhausting. And let’s face it, they’re not for everyone.
For a person who wants a mellow pet with minimal effort, a cat is a step in the right direction, but a kitten is not. They need a ton of attention and are not exactly relaxed. Adult cats are overlooked in adoption situations because, well, they’re not kittens. But they actually make better pets for families with children or existing pets. Check out the benefits of adopting an adult cat!
They’re Not Needy
Adult cats relish in their privacy and independence so you can leave them at home during the day and not feel pangs of guilt. On the other hand, kittens, especially the really young ones, need tons of human interaction and attention. In fact, cat experts recommend that kittens receive at least two hours a day of human attention a day to ensure they’re properly socialized.
Their Personalities Are Set
With an adult cat, what you see is what you get. Behaviors and patterns are generally already formed in your adult cat. If he’s a cuddle bug at the shelter, you can almost guarantee he’ll be that way for the rest of his life.
They’re Better Roommates
Adult cats make better companions for existing pets. Bringing home a kitten for your 4-year-old Persian mix is not going to be fun for anyone. Kittens have a lot of energy and your existing pet will receive the brunt of it. Instead, opt for an adolescent or young adult that already has some sense of respect for pets that were there before them.
They Know the Rules
Many adult cats end up in shelters after having been an indoor pet for several years only to be given up after a baby is born, the family moves or someone develops an allergy to the cat. This often means that they’ve formed good litter box habits and are accustomed to living in a household.
They’re Better with Kids
Believe it or not, an adolescent or adult cat is often a much better match for young children than a kitten. Kittens operate with reckless abandon. If they’re picked up, they will use their tiny, razor-sharp kitten claws to get away. Even if the kitten didn’t mean to scratch, they almost always will if they are trying to escape. Adult cats can often tolerate more attention from a child than a kitten who has zero patience. It is also a lot less likely for a small child to accidentally injure an adult cat.
